Acupuncture is a Chinese form of treating a range of conditions including diseases, ailments, and chronic disorders. It’s the use of hair thin needles at certain points in the body. These points are called channels and each channel is connected to over 2,000 points throughout the body. By using needles in each point the body sends healing power to heal the ailment. Of course, it’s much more complicated than this but this is the basic of how acupuncture works
The core principle of acupuncture for pain treatment is to stimulate acupoints to regulate the neuro-endocrine system, while promoting local blood circulation and releasing analgesic substances to achieve relief. Modern research confirms that acupuncture can activate the analgesic pathway in the central nervous system, regulate the inflammatory response, and finally achieve multi-way comprehensive pain relief.
Acupuncture stimulates the release of natural pain killers called endorphins which helps pain.
I. Neuromodulatory Effect
1. Inhibit Pain Signal Transmission
When acupuncture stimulates acupoints, it will activate the nerve endings in the skin and muscles and generate electrical signals. These signals are transmitted to the brain through the spinal cord, triggering the release of endogenous opioid peptides (such as endorphins and encephalins). These substances can bind to receptors on nerve cells to block the transmission of pain signals to the brain, similar to “turning off the pain switch”.
2. Regulate the Autonomic Nervous System
Acupuncture can reduce the excessive excitation of the sympathetic nerve, reduce muscle spasms and vasoconstriction caused by tension or stress, and thus relieve the pain caused by ischemia or muscle strain.
II. Biochemical Effects
1. Release of Anti-Inflammatory Substances
The acupuncture site will release adenosine, nitric oxide and other substances, inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).
2. Promote Blood Circulation
Acupuncture stimulation can dilate capillaries, increase blood flow, and accelerate the removal of metabolic waste.
III. Theoretical Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine
1. Dredge Meridians, Qi and Blood
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that pain is mostly caused by qi and blood stagnation and meridian obstruction. Acupuncture regulates the qi and blood circulation path by stimulating specific acupoints.
2. Balance the Overall Function
Acupuncture not only targets the painful part, but also regulates the function of relevant internal organs.
IV. Central Nervous System Remodeling
Functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) research shows that acupuncture can activate brain areas related to pain treatment while inhibiting the transmission of pain signals in the thalamus.
V. Scope of Clinical Adaptation
Acupuncture have a significant effect on neurological pain such as sciatica and musculoskeletal pain such as shoulder and lower back pain. It may also have an auxiliary role in postoperative pain and cancer pain.
Acupuncture for Mental Health may address stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and related emotional concerns.
According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, people’s emotional activity is inseparable from the function of internal organs.
The Core Principle: Harmony
- Dredge the meridians and adjust the qi
- Peace of mind, clear mind and calm the body
- Strengthen the spleen and benefit the qi, nourish the blood
- Adjust modern medical indicators
The principle of acupuncture for treating insomnia is mainly based on regulating the function of the nervous system, balancing the circulation of qi and blood, and improving the secretion of sleep-related hormones by stimulating specific acupoints.
I. Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory
1. Balance Yin and Yang
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that insomnia is related to yin and yang imbalance and other internal functional states. Acupuncture can stimulate specific acupoints to help balance qi and blood.
2. Dredge the Meridians
Acupoints can help improve local blood circulation and reduce physical discomfort such as headaches and muscle tension.
II. Modern Medical Research
1. Neurotransmitters and Hormones
Research suggests acupuncture may influence inhibitory neurotransmitters such as GABA and sleep-related hormones such as melatonin.
2. Stress Response
Acupuncture may help reduce physiological stress responses and physical tension that can interfere with sleep.
The core principle of acupuncture to treat tinnitus is to stimulate specific acupoints, regulate qi and blood circulation, balance the function of internal organs, and improve the blood circulation and nerve function of the ear.
1. Stimulate Acupoints Around the Ear
Acupuncture stimulates acupoints around the ear and distal acupoints to promote local qi and blood circulation.
2. Adjust Internal Organ Function
- Tonify the kidney
- Flat liver
- Strengthen the spleen
3. Improve Microcirculation and Nerve Function
Research suggests acupuncture may influence blood flow and nerve function in tissues surrounding the ear.
Acupuncture mainly regulates metabolic function and improves insulin resistance by stimulating specific acupoints. It is often used as an auxiliary therapy combined with drugs and diet management.
1. Regulate Insulin Secretion
Stimulate pancreatic islet beta cells through the neuro-endocrine system to promote insulin release.
2. Improve Microcirculation
Acupuncture can dilate blood vessels, increase local blood supply, and relieve peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes.
3. Regulate Autonomic Nerve Function
Balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves and improve abnormalities of glycolipid metabolism.
4. Regulate Gastrointestinal Function
Some acupoints can suppress appetite and help control weight.